The Best Instant Pot Saffron Risotto

Saffron Risotto, rich and creamy Italian comfort food with pillowy grains of rice is cooked in aromatic saffron, wine and parmesan cheese.

An epitome of Italian home cooking, I love how Risotto is cooked to perfection with the ease of Instant Pot. No more stirring, simmering and guessing for doneness as the Instant Pot makes it almost handsfree.

What is Risotto:

• Risotto is a classic Italian side-dish cooked in broth for a creamy consistency. It often reminds of the comforting khichdi in Indian Cooking. Unlike khichdi which is made with rice and lentils, Risotto is cooked with rice, onion, broth, butter and wine.
• Risotto makes a great side dish that can be easily paired with proteins such as beans, fish, chicken etc to make a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Saffron Risotto:

• I have used arborio rice in this recipe as it is readily available in grocery stores. But we also love carnaroli rice and vialone nano rice both of which are found in specialty grocery stores.
• Make sure to toast the rice in the oil and later saute well in the wine. This will unlock the nutty flavors and aromas.
• Use a dry wine like Pinot grigio. I have also used leftover rose and it works great. Wine stores also carry mini wine bottles by Sutter home that come in handy when you do not want to open a big bottle just for cooking.

Best ways to serve Saffron Risotto:

• Enjoy a bowl of warm Risotto as is with freshly grated parmesan cheese and thyme or chives.
• Serve with seared fish or scallops for a complete meal.
• Serve with curried shrimp, for a fancy dinner. This is our favorite way to enjoy.

Step by Step Recipe to make The Best Instant Pot Saffron Risotto:

• Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat olive oil. Add onions. Saute for 2 minutes stirring frequently. Add rice and salt and toast for 2 minutes.
  

  

  

• Add saffron & wine and continue to sauté for another minute or until the wine has been absorbed.

• Stir in broth, Close the Instant Pot lid with Pressure Release to sealing. Set the Instant Pot tp Manual /Pressure Cook(High) for 6 minutes. Follow with 10 minutes Natural Pressure release.

• Open the Instant Pot. Stir in butter and parmesan cheese.

• While serving add more parmesan cheese, black pepper. Optionally garnish with thyme and crushed saffron.

Love Italian recipes? Try some of our Instant Pot favorites:

• Spinach artichoke mac and cheese 
• Pasta caprese 
• Spinach and mushroom lasagna
• Beet risotto 

Here is a video showing detailed steps to make Instant Pot Saffron Risotto:

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The Best Instant Pot Saffron Risotto

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Saffron Risotto, rich and creamy Italian comfort food with pillowy grains of rice is cooked in aromatic saffron, wine and parmesan cheese.

Course: Entree, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: saffron risotto

Servings: 4

Calories: 251 kcal

Author: Archana

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp EVOO
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 1-1/2 cup arborio rice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large pinch saffron
• ¼ cup dry white wine used pinot grigio
• 3 cups low sodium broth used better than bouillon vegetable base

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter optional
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated

To serve:

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• 2 springs thyme
• 1 pinch Saffron

Instructions

1. Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat olive oil. Add onions. Saute for 2 mins stirring frequently.

2. Add rice and salt and toast for 2 mins. Make sure to toast the rice well to unloak the nutty flavors. 

3. Add saffron & wine and continue to saute for another 1 minute or until the wine has been absorbed. Stirring frequently so the rice does not stick to the pot.

4. Stir in broth, Manual / Pressure Cook (High) for 6 minutes. Allow 10 minuts Natural Pressure release. Open the Instant Pot and Stir in butter and cheese.

5. While serving add more parmesan cheese, black pepper and garnish with thyme + crushed saffron in the center.

Recipe Video

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